Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-10

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The graph below shows average carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions per person in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal between 1967 and 2007.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Student answer (Band 5.5)

The line graph illustrates the average amount of carbon dioxide emitted per person in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal between 1967 and 2007. Units are measured in metric tonnes.

Overall, Italy and Portugal showed an increase in release of carbon dioxide by an individual along with decreased rate of United Kingdom and Sydney with certain fluctuations.

United Kingdom begins with the peak amount of nearly 11 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide in 1967. However, it gradually decreased up to 9 metric tonnes in 2007, continue being the highest. Sweden started off with 9 metric tonnes and peaked at nearly 11 metric tonnes in 1997 before declining to approximately 5 metric tonnes in 2007.

Italy and Portugal showed the similar pattern of growth with 4 metric tonnes and 1 metric tonne in the beginning respectively. Although they grew up to nearly 8 metric tonnes and 5 metric tonnes in 2007 with Sweden and Portugal being at the equal rates at the end of the period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers all key features of the graph, including the trends for all four countries. You successfully identified the starting and ending points and noted the main trends. However, there are some inaccuracies in your reporting. For instance, you mention the UK remained the highest throughout, but the graph shows Sweden overtaking the UK in the late 80s and 90s. Additionally, you refer to 'Sydney' instead of 'Sweden', which is a significant factual error. While the main features are selected, the analysis of the data could be more precise to ensure all comparisons are accurate.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is generally clear. You use some cohesive devices like 'However' and 'Although' to link ideas. However, the connection between sentences in the final paragraph is slightly mechanical, and the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs could be smoother. The use of referencing is generally clear, though the factual error regarding the country name disrupts the flow of information.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuations', 'gradually decreased', and 'period'. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'release of carbon dioxide' instead of 'emissions' and the incorrect naming of the country 'Sydney'. While you attempt to use some less common vocabulary, the errors in naming and collocation prevent a higher score. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, but lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the use of 'Although' to introduce a subordinate clause. There are several grammatical errors, including 'United Kingdom begins with the peak amount' (tense inconsistency) and 'Sweden and Portugal being at the equal rates' (awkward phrasing). While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. More attention to subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage would improve the accuracy of your writing.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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